Amino-Functionalized Surface Engineering of Elastomers for Robust PEDOT:PSS-Based Stretchable Electronics.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Surface Engineering
• Polymer Science

Background:

• Stretchable devices are crucial for wearable electronics, soft robotics, and biomedical applications.
• Integrating elastomers with conducting polymers like poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) presents surface engineering challenges.
• Improved interfacial properties are needed for robust and high-performance stretchable electronics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel surface modification strategy for stretchable device substrates.
• To enhance the integration and performance of elastomers with lab-synthesized PEDOT:PSS using 2,6-diaminopimelic acid (DAP).
• To investigate the impact of DAP surface functionalization on interfacial adhesion, mechanical stability, and electrical conductivity.

Main Methods:

• Surface functionalization of elastomer substrates with 2,6-diaminopimelic acid (DAP).
• Characterization of modified films using Raman spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS).
• Assessment of electrical properties under mechanical deformation and measurement of adhesion energy.

Main Results:

• DAP functionalization significantly improved adhesion, mechanical stability, surface energy, and electrical conductivity at the elastomer-PEDOT:PSS interface.
• Chemical analyses confirmed DAP acts as an interfacial bridge, forming bonds between the elastomer and PEDOT:PSS.
• Enhanced adhesivity was quantified by a lower contact angle and an adhesion energy of 134.4 mN/m.

Conclusions:

• DAP-based surface modification is a highly effective strategy for improving key properties of stretchable devices.
• This approach facilitates the development of robust stretchable electronics, including wearable heaters and ACEL devices.
• The findings pave the way for broader applications of advanced stretchable technologies.